“The Tea Party has played an important role this year and I want to be sure their voices are heard in Austin long after next Tuesday,” Patrick said in a press release. “The power of the Tea Party beyond election day is to hold those elected accountable for a conservative voting agenda.”

Patrick’s office in its release said the Tea Party caucus will meet with leaders of that movement and build support for “important conservative legislation” in the coming session.

I suppose it’s possible to interpret this as something other than forming a parade that lines up behind Dan Patrick for the purpose of advancing his interests and taking aim at other Republicans who are insufficiently Patrick-esque, but I think my explanation is simpler and more plausible. Burka, PDiddie, Neil, and Big Jolly have more.